It was eventually bound to happen and it's appropriate I'd say that the first major Hollywood studio animated feature film to be produced in China would be "Kung Fu Panda 3".

Some people here in LA may not like the idea but keep in mind that DreamWorks employs one third of the membership of the animation union and has so many animated features in production it'll keep their artists busy for many years to come not to mention the free breakfast and lunch they serve their employees and the great working atmosphere they provide at their campus in Glendale.

..................

DreamWorks to make 'Kung Fu Panda 3' in China

By Joe McDonaldAugust 7 2012Associated Press

BEIJING — DreamWorks Animation and Chinese partners announced plans Tuesday to co-produce the next "Kung Fu Panda" movie and develop an entertainment district in Shanghai, expanding Hollywood's fast-growing ties to China.

Hollywood studios have announced a flurry of deals with local partners to gain access to Chinese financing and a government-controlled film market that is growing strongly at a time of weak ticket sales in the United States and Europe.

"Kung Fu Panda 3" will be produced in China and released in 2016, according to DreamWorks Animation SKG Ltd. and its state-owned local partners — China Media Capital, Shanghai Media Group and Shanghai Alliance Investment.

They said the movie will be produced by a new joint venture, Shanghai Oriental DreamWorks Film & Television Technology Co. DreamWorks will own 45 percent of the company and the Chinese partners will hold stakes totaling 55 percent.

Oriental DreamWorks plans to release one to three films per year and employ as many as 2,000 production professionals, the partners said. They said it aims to become the largest animation production base in China and also will explore opportunities in online games, musicals and consumer products.

Seing as Kong Fu panda 2 turned out nicly, this sounds like a cool idea. "..will include cinemas, theaters, restaurants and tourist attractions and is due to open in 2016, the partners said." why do I get the feeling of this inspiration from "How to train your dragon live spectacular... hm... probably nothing so big but I can hope hehe. whatever they cope up with in the end, shall be interesting checking it out eitherway.

First 'Iron Man 3' and now 'Kung Fu Panda 3', the US is really hitching its wagon to China at the moment aren't they. Be interesting to see what happens over the next couple of years as China strikes more of these deals.